Pubdate: Sat, 01 Apr 2000 Date: 04/01/2000 Source: Massachusetts News (MA) Author: Robert Sharpe Jeffrey Miron did an excellent job refuting the junk science-based reefer madness put forth by George Biernson. Nonetheless, it is not the relative harmlessness of marijuana that compels many activists to advocate legalization, but rather the effects of existing drug laws. Here in America children have an easier time buying marijuana than beer. While a liquor store will refuse to sell alcohol to a minor to avoid losing its license, a drug dealer will sell to anyone. More disturbing is the manner in which marijuana users come into contact with pushers of harder drugs. The black market status of marijuana puts its distribution in the hands of organized crime. Marijuana is not a gateway drug, but marijuana prohibition is definitely a gateway drug policy. Not only do current drug laws facilitate the introduction of hard drugs to youth, but they also enrich organized crime, which in turn fuels violence and corruption. America's experience with alcohol prohibition confirms that legalization will not only eliminate drug law related violence, but also make it significantly harder for children to purchase drugs. Finally, we have the effects of drug laws on the individual. A heavy marijuana smoker may risk bronchitis, but the health effects of bronchitis are inconsequential compared to the long-term effects of prison stays and criminal records. The government does not actively try and destroy the lives of alcoholics. I fail to see why marijuana smokers should be singled out for punishment. Robert Sharpe, Students For A Sensible Drug Policy, George Washington University